Robotic placement of experimental prototypes for wireless gastric electrical stimulation

Introduction: Gastroparesis (GP) is a motility disorder resulting from abnormal gastric myoelectric activity, which disrupts the frequency and amplitude of gastric slow waves, leading to delayed gastric emptying and severe symptoms. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has proven to be an effective therapy for gastroparesis.

Aims: Current GES devices rely on bulky batteries that require periodic surgical replacement. To overcome these limitations, the "INTAKT project" seeks to develop wireless implants for the treatment of motility disorders across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Methodology: The newly designed implantable system incorporates passive electronic components and operates without a battery. Two acute porcine experiments were conducted using a robotic surgical system to implant the prototypes. Stimulation parameters were delivered inductively via an external unit, and electromyography (EMG) signals were analyzed using a multiresolution approach.

Results: The robotic placement of the prototypes was successfully performed. Inductive energy transfer was validated, and EMG analysis demonstrated significant alterations in gastric electrical activity.

Conclusion: Ongoing efforts focus on advancing technological development and expediting regulatory approvals to facilitate clinical trials with the next generation of devices in the near future.

Publication History

Article published online:
04 September 2025